The Big Ten showcased its prowess in the first round of March Madness, with three teams advancing and proving just how formidable this conference can be. Purdue, in particular, looked unstoppable, while Iowa's defense shone brightly against Clemson.
Let's dive into the highlights from Friday's Big Ten matchups in the NCAA Tournament:
No. 9 Iowa 67-61 vs No. 8 Clemson
Iowa snagged a gritty win, marking their first tournament victory since 2021. This clash was all about defense, as both teams struggled to find their rhythm offensively.
The absence of Clemson's big man, Carter Welling, played to Iowa's advantage, allowing them to focus on dominating the paint in the second half. Bennett Stirtz didn't have his best night, shooting just 4-17 for 16 points.
Thankfully, Kael Combs stepped up, adding 15 points and missing only two shots. Alvaro Folgueiras contributed a crucial 14 points off the bench.
Despite offensive struggles, Iowa's second-half adjustments were key to edging out Clemson.
No. 7 UCLA 75-71 over No. 10 UCF
UCLA faced a tough challenge without their star player, Tyler Bilodeau. Yet, through sheer determination and defensive tenacity, the Bruins emerged victorious.
Known for their offensive firepower, it was UCLA's defense that made the difference, forcing UCF into 16 turnovers, including 13 steals and 9 blocks. Donovan Dent, usually an offensive powerhouse, contributed with 6 steals despite scoring only 10 points.
This defensive intensity will be crucial as they prepare to face UConn.
No. 2 Purdue 104-71 vs No. 15 Queens University
Purdue cruised to a dominant victory, with Braden Smith breaking Bobby Hurley's all-time assist record. Smith wasn't just facilitating; he also poured in 26 points.
Trey Kaufman-Renn added 25 points and 9 rebounds, showcasing Purdue's offensive might. Shooting an impressive 58.3% from beyond the arc and dominating the boards 37-17, Purdue looked every bit the powerhouse they're expected to be.
Top Performers
Braden Smith was the linchpin for Purdue, orchestrating the offense and hitting shots with precision. His 10-15 shooting and 4-6 from three-point range were instrumental in their win over Queens University.
For UCLA, Eric Dailey Jr. was pivotal in keeping their tournament hopes alive. With 20 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks, Dailey Jr. filled the void left by their absent star, playing a crucial role in their victory.
Overview
The Big Ten enjoyed a perfect day, going 3-0 in tournament play. Iowa battled through a tough matchup, while UCLA overcame significant odds to advance.
Purdue, meanwhile, looked like a juggernaut, asserting themselves as one of the top contenders in the tournament. If they maintain this level of play, they're going to be a tough team to beat.